Jessica Sigmon Wallace/Getty ImagesBad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle “wholeheartedly disagree[s]” with frontman Tommy Vext‘s recent video outlining a conspiracy theory surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement.
In the video, Vext alleged how individuals such as Hillary Clinton and billionaire investor George Soros, both of whom are subject to a number of right-wing conspiracy theories, are supposedly paying the anti-fascist Antifa movement to instigate violence within Black Lives Matter in an attempt to distract the media from their own alleged wrongdoings.
Vext also said that he himself had never experienced racism in his life, and claimed that racism in the U.S. is a “manufactured” idea.
In a statement posted Thursday night, Coyle says, “While to should be noted that I advocate for free speech and don’t want to censor anyone, I wholeheartedly disagree with the content of this video.”
Following the video, Vext has posted a statement saying that he was merely explaining a “theoretical scenario” that doesn’t necessarily reflect his own “beliefs and opinion.” He also deleted the video, which Coyle says “means a lot” to him.
“Some people agree and that’s OK,” Coyle says. “Some people disagree and that’s OK. But I apologize to anyone who was hurt.”
Coyle acknowledges that some might interpret his statement as a “flashy band feud,” but ensures that he and Vext have “spoken” and “heard each other.”
“If he and I can disagree and be in a band together, then we as a country or society can find a way to find common ground despite ideological differences,” Coyle says. “But we can’t do that if we are talking past each other.”
“I’m not an activist,” he continues. “I’m not a civil rights leader. But I offer solidarity to those addressing historical and systematic racial inequalities in this country.”
By Josh Johnson
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